Handheld mechanical gauge, and method for measuring tread depth of a vehicle tire

ABSTRACT

A mechanical gauge includes a stock panel with a first measurement scale, and a slide movably arranged relative to the stock panel. The first measurement scale has a series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within a region of interest. The slide includes a second measurement scale adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within the region of interest. The second measurement scale has a second series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of the first measurement scale. An elongated measurement probe is affixed to the slide and adapted for selectively extending into a groove formed in the tread of the vehicle tire.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates broadly and generally to a handheldmechanical gauge applicable for use in the automotive and heavy dutytrucking industries. In one exemplary embodiment, the present handheldgauge is used in combination with a mobile device (e.g., smartphone)equipped with a digital camera to measure, record, and report treaddepth of a vehicle tire.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are describedbelow. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way ofexample only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is notintended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or stepsof any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the presentspecification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodimentnecessarily includes the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,”or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, although they may.

It is also noted that terms like “preferably”, “commonly”, and“typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimedinvention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, oreven important to the structure or function of the claimed invention.Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative oradditional features that may or may not be utilized in a particularembodiment of the present invention.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprisesa handheld mechanical gauge for measuring tread depth of a vehicle tire.The mechanical gauge comprises a housing defining a display window. Afixed stock panel is attached to the housing and comprises a firstmeasurement scale located within the window. The first measurement scaleincludes a first series of marks spaced apart at regular intervalswithin a region of interest defined by the display window. The totalnumber of marks in the first measurement scale comprises a calibrationvalue. A slide panel is movably arranged relative to the stock panel,and comprises a second measurement scale adapted to selectively overliethe first measurement scale within the window of the housing. The secondmeasurement scale includes a second series of marks spaced apart atregular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of thefirst measurement scale. As used herein the term “corresponding” meansformed in a substantially identical size, shape, spacing, and pattern.At any overlying position of the second measurement scale relative tothe first measurement scale within the region of interest, the combinednumber of exposed marks displayed through the window equals thecalibration value. In one exemplary embodiment, a mark is considered“exposed” if greater than 50% of the mark appears uncovered within theregion of interest (as defined by the display window). The term“equals”, as used herein, allows for a certain acceptable degree ofvariation based on an analysis of the exposed marks within the region ofinterest. For example, the present disclosure may allow a tolerance of 1(+/−) such that 33 and 35 “measured” marks are both equal to acalibration value of 34. An elongated measurement probe is affixed tothe slide, and adapted for selectively extending and retracting relativeto the housing. Tread depth of the vehicle tire is measured by extendingthe probe into a groove formed in the tire tread and then recording ameasurement value using data displayed through the window.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first measurement scalecomprises first and second adjacent columns of spaced marks.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in the first measurementscale, the marks in the second column are staggered relative to themarks of the first column. As used herein, the term “staggered” refersto a slight offset of the marks in the two longitudinal columns suchthat laterally adjacent marks are not entirely side-by-side.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the second measurement scalecomprises first and second adjacent columns of spaced marks.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in the second measurementscale, the marks in the second column are staggered relative to themarks of the first column.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second columnsof marks in the first and second measurement scales are aligned insubstantial registration. The term “aligned in substantial registration”means that the two columns of the first measurement scale would besubstantially superimposed upon the two columns of the secondmeasurement scale if one scale were laid upon the other.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a manual thumb slide isadapted for moving the slide panel to extend and retract saidmeasurement probe.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the housing comprisescooperating front and back sections.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a magnet is located insidethe housing for releasably mounting the handheld gauge to a metalsurface.

According to another exemplary embodiment, one of the front and backsections of the housing comprises a machine-readable code (e.g., quickresponse code or “QR code”). The code may be used for storing URLs orother information for reading by the mobile computing device (e.g.,smartphone) of the present disclosure.

According to another exemplary embodiment, one of the first and secondhousing sections further comprises a product serial number.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the front housing sectioncomprises measurement indicia along at least one side of the displaywindow outside of the region of interest.

According to another exemplary embodiment, measurement indicia isprovided along both sides of the display window outside of the region ofinterest.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the measurement indicia isprovided in standard units along one side of the display window and incorresponding metric units along the other side of the display window.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises ahandheld measurement device for measuring tread depth of a vehicle tire.The mechanical gauge comprises a stock panel with a first measurementscale. The first measurement scale includes a first series of marksspaced apart at regular intervals within a region of interest. The totalnumber of marks within the region of interest comprises a calibrationvalue. A slide is movably arranged relative to the stock panel, andcomprises a second measurement scale adapted to selectively overlie thefirst measurement scale within the region of interest. The secondmeasurement scale includes a second series of marks spaced apart atregular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of thefirst measurement scale. At any overlying position of the secondmeasurement scale relative to the first measurement scale within theregion of interest, the combined number of exposed marks within theregion of interest equals the calibration value. An elongatedmeasurement probe is affixed to the slide and adapted for selectivelyextending into a groove formed in the tread of the vehicle tire. Ameasured value of tread depth is obtained using data displayed withinthe region of interest.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises amethod for measuring tread depth of a vehicle tire. The method includeslocating a handheld mechanical gauge adjacent the tread of the vehicletire. The mechanical gauge comprises a first measurement scale includinga first series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within apredetermined region of interest. A slidable second measurement scale isadapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within theregion of interest. The second measurement scale comprises a secondseries of marks spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to thefirst series of marks of the first measurement scale. An elongatedmeasurement probe is movable in unison with the slidable secondmeasurement scale. The method further includes determining a calibrationvalue comprising a total number of exposed marks within the region ofinterest of the mechanical gauge. The elongated measurement probe of themechanical gauge is inserted and extended into a groove formed in thetread of the vehicle tire. With the probe extended, the region ofinterest of the mechanical gauge is photographed using a digital cameraof a mobile computing device. The number of exposed marks of the firstmeasurement scale which are located within the region of interest isdetermined, and the number of exposed marks of the second measurementscale which are located within the region of interest is determined. Themethod confirms that the sum total of exposed marks of the first andsecond measurement scales equals the calibration value. The tread depthis then calculated using a ratio of exposed marks of the first andsecond measurement scales within the region of interest.

According to another exemplary embodiment, determining the calibrationvalue comprises photographing the mechanical gauge at the region ofinterest using the digital camera of the mobile computing device, andthen calculating the total number of marks appearing within the capturedimage.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the method compriseselectronically reading a machine-readable code (e.g., QR code) appliedto the mechanical gauge.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the method comprisesactivating an alert on the mobile computing device once a successfullycaptured image of the region of interest is obtained.

According to another exemplary embodiment, prior to photographing themechanical gauge, the method comprises activating a flash function ofthe digital camera based on environmental lighting conditions.

Broadly, in exemplary embodiments described further herein, the presentdisclosure comprises an apparatus, system and method for measuring,recording, and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire. The exemplarydisclosure may be implemented via a computer program product (e.g.,software application or “mobile app”) comprising program instructionstangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, and operable to cause acomputing device to perform one or more steps of a method forcalculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire. Thepresent disclosure further comprises a computer-readable storage mediumstoring computer-executable instructions, executable by processing logicof a computing device, including one or more instructions, that whenexecuted by the processing logic, cause the processing logic to performone or more steps of a method for calculating, recording and reportingtread depth of a vehicle tire. In yet another exemplary embodiment, thepresent disclosure comprises an article of manufacture including acomputer-readable storage medium, and executable program instructionsembodied in the storage medium that when executed by processing logic ofa computing device causes the processing logic to perform one or moresteps of a method for calculating, recording and reporting tread depthof a vehicle tire. The computing device may incorporate or comprise anygeneral or specific purpose machine with processing logic capable ofmanipulating data according to a set of program instructions. Examplesof computing devices include high-end mobile phones or “smartphones”,tablet computers, laptops, personal computers, and others.

Exemplary Mobile Computing Device

In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure utilizes a handheldmobile computing device (referred to herein as “mobile device”). Theexemplary mobile device may comprise a smartphone using an operatingsystem such as Google's Android, Apple's iOS, Maemo, Bada, Symbian,Windows Phone, Palm, Blackberry, and others. The mobile device mayinclude a high-resolution touchscreen display, a web browser, high-speeddata access via Wi-Fi and mobile broadband, and advanced applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs) for running third-party applications. Themobile device may also be equipped with NFC, and paired with NFC tags orstickers which can be programmed by NFC apps and other mobile apps onthe device. For example, BlackBerry devices support NFC using BlackBerryTag on a number of devices running BlackBerry OS. Other handheld mobiledevices without built-in NFC chips may utilize MicroSD and UICC SIMcards incorporating industry standard contactless smartcard chips withISO14443 interface, with or without built-in antenna.

The exemplary mobile device may also include card slots for removable ornon-removable flash and SIM cards, and may have greater than 32 GB ofnon-volatile internal memory. One or more of the flash and SIM cards andinternal memory may comprise computer-readable storage media containingprogram instructions applicable for performing one or more steps of amethod for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicletire.

The SIM card contains an integrated circuit that securely stores theservice-subscriber key (IMSI) used to identify a subscriber on themobile device. SIM hardware typically consists of a microprocessor, ROM,persistent (non-volatile) EEPROM or flash memory, volatile RAM, and aserial I/O interface. SIM software typically consists of an operatingsystem, file system, and application programs. The SIM may incorporatethe use of a SIM Toolkit (STK), which is an application programminginterface (API) for securely loading applications (e.g., applets) ordata to the SIM for storage in the SIM and execution by the mobiledevice. The STK allows a mobile operator (such as a wireless carrier) tocreate/provision services by loading them into the SIM without changingother elements of the mobile device. One convenient way for loadingapplications to the SIM is over-the-air (OTA) via the Short MessageService (SMS) protocol.

Additionally, to identify a user's mobile device, a unique serial numbercalled International Mobile Equipment Identity, IMEI, may be assigned tothe device. The IMEI number may be used by, the network to identifyvalid mobile devices. IMEI identifies the device, not the user (the useris identified by an International Mobile Subscriber Identity, IMSI), bya 15-digit number and includes information about the source of themobile device, the model, and serial number. Other features of theexemplary mobile device may include front-facing and rear-facingcameras, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, video mirroring and video outsupport, built-in speaker and microphone, built-in rechargeablelithium-polymer battery, and sensors including three-axis gyro,accelerometer, and ambient light sensor. The exemplary mobile device mayalso combine aGPS and other location services including Wi-FiPositioning System and cell-site triangulation, Mobile Phone Tracking,Mobile Positioning, GMS localization, or other hybrid positioningsystem.

Exemplary specifications for three commercially available mobile devicesare provided in the table below.

Pixel ® 2 XL iPhone ® X Galaxy ® 9+ OS - Android 8.0 OS - iOS 11 OS -Android 8.0 Display - 6 inches Display - 5.8 inches Display - 6.2 inches(2880 × 1440 pixels) (2436 × 1125 pixels) (2960 × 1440 pixels) RearCamera - 12 MP Rear Camera - Dual 12- Rear Camera - 12-MP (f/1.8) MP(wide-angle: f/1.8, Super Speed Dual Pixel Front Camera - 8 MPtelephoto: f/2.4) (f/1.5 - f/2.4), 12-MP (f/2.4) Front Camera - 7 MPtelephoto with 2x zoom (f/2.2) (f/2.4) Front Camera - 8-MP (f/1.7) CPU -Snapdragon 835 CPU - A11 Bionic CPU - Snapdragon 845 RAM - 4 GB RAM - 4GB RAM - 6 GB Storage - 64 GB, 128 GB Storage - 64 GB, 256 GB Storage -64 GB Size - 6.2 × 3 × 0.3 in Size - 5.7 × 2.8 × 0.3 in Size - 6.2 × 2.9× 0.33 in Weight - 6.2 ounces Weight - 6.14 ounces Weight - 6.7 ounces

Exemplary Computing Environment

In an exemplary implementation discussed further below, the presentsystem and method operates in an environment utilizing a client device,such as the mobile device described above, in communication with a hostserver (e.g., cloud server) over a computer network, such as theInternet. The host server may comprise a processor and a computerreadable medium, such as random access memory (RAM). The processor isoperable to execute certain programs used in the present system andmethod for calculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicletire, and other computer program instructions stored in memory. Suchprocessor may comprise a microprocessor (or any other processor) and mayalso include, for example, a display device, internal and external datastorage devices, cursor control devices, and/or any combination of thesecomponents, or any number of different components, peripherals, inputand output devices, and other devices. Such processors may alsocommunicate with other computer-readable media that store computerprogram instructions, such that when the stored instructions areexecuted by the processor, the processor performs the acts describedfurther herein. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that theexemplary environments described herein are not intended to limitapplication of the present system and method, and that alternativeenvironments may be used without departing from the scope of theinvention.

Various problem-solving programs incorporated into the present systemand method, and discussed further herein, may utilize as inputs, datafrom a data storage device or location. In one embodiment, the datastorage device comprises an electronic database. In other embodiments,the data storage device may comprise an electronic file, disk, or otherdata storage medium. The data storage device may store features of theinvention applicable for performing one or more steps of a method forcalculating, recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire. Thedata storage device may also include other items useful to carry out thefunctions of the present system and method. In one example, the presentcomputer programs may further comprise algorithms designed andconfigured to perform one or more steps of a method for calculating,recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the following drawing figures, whereinlike numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary handheld mechanical gaugeapplicable for use in the present system and method for measuring,recording and reporting tread depth of a vehicle tire;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary handheld gauge;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the exemplary handheld gauge;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the exemplary handheld gauge;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of software used in the exemplary system andmethod of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 demonstrate operation of the exemplary gauge incombination with a mobile device equipped with a digital camera.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodimentsof the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to likeelements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete.Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any andall equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such asadaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements,will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein andfall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unlessotherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be giventheir broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with thatapplicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to anyspecific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article“a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item isintended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. Whenused herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least oneof the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/orarrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although stepsof various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in asequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes ormethods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequenceor arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpectedresults, or operability of the present invention are not intended as anaffirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practiceor that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless statedotherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit)is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has beenpreviously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a handheld mechanical gaugeaccording to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure isillustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at broad reference numeral10. In an exemplary implementation discussed further below, the presenthandheld gauge 10 is applicable for measuring depth of a vehicle tiretread “T”—See FIGS. 6-8. The gauge 10 cooperates with a mobile device“M” (e.g., smartphone) equipped with a high resolution digital camera“C”; both represented in FIG. 8 and discussed further below. The camera“C” is used by an operator to photograph an image of the gauge 10 at thetime a tread measurement is taken. A software application operating onthe mobile device analyzes the captured image, and using variousalgorithms and computing logic calculates the measured tread depth andrecords the value in standard/SAE or metric units, or both. The measuredtread value may be stored in electronic (e.g., flash) memory of themobile device, and/or transmitted wirelessly to any remote terminal suchas a second mobile device, cloud server, vehicle electronic loggingdevice (ELD), or other computing device. Using the mobile device, themeasured tread value can also be associated with the exact vehicle tireby scanning a tire-identifying QR code, NFC tag, or other RFID tagapplied to the tire. The measured tread value may also automaticallyinsert into a corresponding field of an electronic vehicle inspectionreport.

The use of NFC tags to store vehicle and vehicle tire information isdisclosed in Applicant's prior filed application, U.S. Publication No.US2017/0206446 filed on Jul. 20, 2017 and entitled “Smart Tag Assemblyfor Mounting on an Object to be Tracked”. The complete disclosure ofthis prior publication is incorporated herein by reference. In oneexemplary embodiment, the NFC tag may be applied to a sidewall of thevehicle tire using a rubber-to-rubber bonding interface with anidentification label over-molded in rubber.

The use of a wireless inspection tool to collect tire pressure andtemperature data is disclosed in Applicant's prior filed application,U.S. Publication No. US2013/035459 filed on Apr. 5, 2013 and entitled“Tire Data Collection and Communication Device, Multi-Purpose HandheldData Collection and Communication Tool, and Method for CommunicatingTire Data Between a Vehicle Tire and a Remote Computing Device”. Thecomplete disclosure of this prior publication is incorporated herein byreference. In one exemplary embodiment, the inspection tool gathers tirepressures and temperatures from a series of tires, associating this datawith the appropriate vehicle and tire ID numbers. This data is thentransferred to a remote computing device and then to cloud servers.

A self-contained dynamic vehicle wheel balancing system is disclosed inApplicant's prior filed application, U.S. Publication No. US20170259631filed on Oct. 19, 2015 and entitled “Tire Sensor Mounting Assembly,Vehicle Wheel Balancer, Combination Tire Sensor Mounting Assembly andWheel Balancer, Method for Mounting a Tire Sensor to a Vehicle Part, andMethod for Balancing a Vehicle Wheel”. The complete disclosure of thisprior publication is incorporated herein by reference. In one exemplaryembodiment, a hollow body is adhered to the tire's inner liner to form acircular path for the flow of balancing media during tire rotation,resulting in the accumulation of mass opposite of the heaviest region ofthe wheel assembly. In combination with the ability to track the historyof tread depth, vehicle mileage, and fuel economy for an asset,evaluation of the efficacy of such dynamic wheel balancing is possible.

A system and method for wireless communication between a vehicle orvehicle component and a remote device is disclosed in Applicant's priorgrant U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,299 filed on Aug. 8, 1997 and entitled“Apparatus and Method for Data Communication Between Heavy Duty Vehicleand Remote Data Communication Terminal”. The complete disclosure of thisprior publication is incorporated herein by reference. In one exemplaryembodiment, the communication is carried out by a dongle device pluggedinto the vehicle diagnostic port and capable of the communication ofvehicle information such as mileage, fuel economy, diagnostic codes,etc. with a mobile device such as a cellular phone.

Exemplary Handheld Gauge 10

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the exemplary handheld gauge 10 comprises ahousing 11 including separately molded front and back sections 11A, 11Bjoined together by screws 12. The front section 11A has an open squaredisplay window 14. A raised stock panel 15 is integrally formed with theback section 11B, and comprises a first measurement scale 21 located forviewing through the display window 14. The first measurement scale 21includes a first series of rectangular marks 22 spaced apart at regularintervals within a region of interest “ROI” (FIG. 3) defined by thedisplay window 14. The total number of marks 22 in the first measurementscale 21 establishes a calibration value. In one example, the firstmeasurement scale 21 comprises thirty four (34) identical marks 22arranged in two laterally adjacent columns 22A, 22B—17 marks per column.The marks 22 in the first column 22A are staggered relative to the marks22 of the second column 22B such that laterally adjacent pairs of marks22 are not entirely side-by-side.

A slide panel 25 is movably arranged relative to the fixed stock panel15 inside the housing 11, and comprises a second measurement scale 31adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale 21 within thedisplay window 14. The slide panel 25 is formed within a generallyU-shaped frame 32 constructed to reside closely adjacent the raisedstock panel 15, and including a relatively thin integrally molded panelspacer 33 and textured thumb slide 34. The panel spacer 33 has alongitudinal groove 35 which mates with complementary internal rail (notshown) located on an inside of housing section 11A. With the housingsections 11A, 11B assembled, recessed edges 36, 37 cooperate to form alongitudinal slot 38 along which the slide panel 25 moves inside thehousing 11. The textured thumb slide 34 is located outside of thehousing 11, and is used by an operator to readily and conveniently movethe slide panel 25 relative to the fixed stock panel 15. A contactsurface of spacer 33 cooperates with textured strip 39 located on theinside of housing section 11B to form a friction interface sufficient totemporarily hold the selected location of the slide panel 25.

The second measurement scale 31 of slide panel 25 includes a series ofmarks 42 spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the firstseries of marks 22 of the fixed first measurement scale 21. The marks 42of the second measurement scale 31 are identical in size, shape,spacing, and pattern to the marks 22 of the first measurement scale 21,but are printed in a contrasting color. For example, the individualmarks 22 of the first measurement scale 21 may be solid yellow againstan otherwise all black surface of the fixed stock panel 15, whereas theindividual marks 42 of the second measurement scale 31 may be solid redagainst an otherwise all white surface of the slide panel 25. Like thefirst measurement scale 21, the marks 42 of the second measurement scale31 are arranged in two laterally adjacent columns 42A, 42B—17 marks percolumn. The marks 42 in the first column 42A are staggered relative tothe marks 42 of the second column 42B such that laterally adjacent pairsof marks 42 are not entirely side-by-side.

In the present example, the first and second columns of marks 22A, 22B &42A, 42B in the first and second measurement scales 21 and 31 arealigned in substantial registration. In other words, as the slide panel25 is moved up and down inside the housing 11 relative to the fixedstock panel 15, the respective pairs of mark columns 22A, 22B & 42A, 42Bbecome selectively superimposed within the region of interest “ROI”defined by the display window 14. At any overlying position of thesecond measurement scale 31 relative to the first measurement scale 21,the combined number of exposed marks 22, 42 within the region ofinterest “ROI” equals the calibration value. As stated previously, amark 22, 42 may be considered “exposed” if greater than 50% of the mark22, 42 appears uncovered within the region of interest “ROI” (as definedby the display window 14).

An elongated measurement probe 50 is affixed to the slide panel 25, andis adapted for selectively extending and retracting relative to a bottomend of the housing 11. As discussed further below, tread depth of thevehicle tire is measured by extending the probe 50 into a groove “G”formed in the tire tread “T” (FIGS. 6-8) and then recording ameasurement value using data displayed through the window 14.Measurement indicia 51, 52 may be provided adjacent both sides of thedisplay window 14 outside of the region of interest “ROI”, as best shownin FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the measurement indicia 51, 52 is providedin standard units along one side of the display window 14 and incorresponding metric units along the other side of the display window14.

Referring to FIG. 4, one or more labels may be applied to the backsection of the housing and may comprise machine-readable code, such as ahigh capacity colored 2-dimensional (HCC2D) QR code 55. The QR code 55may be used for storing URLs or other information for reading by themobile device (e.g., smartphone) of the present disclosure. This andother labels may comprise a product serial number 56, branding indicia57, minimum tread depths 58, website addresses 59, and other usefulinformation. Additionally, a magnet 60 may be located inside the housing11 for releasably mounting the gauge 10 to a metal surface.

Exemplary System Software

The exemplary system software comprises a “mobile app” downloaded (e.g.,via cloud server) to the operator's mobile device. The system softwareis used in combination with the exemplary handheld gauge 10 describedabove, wherein the individual marks 22 of the first measurement scale 21of the fixed stock panel 15 are solid yellow against an otherwise allblack background surface, and the individual marks 42 of the secondmeasurement scale 31 of the slide panel 25 are solid red against anotherwise all white background surface.

The exemplary software functions according to the flow diagram of FIG.5. First, aiming the digital camera “C” of the mobile device “M” at thehandheld gauge 10, as shown in FIG. 8, the software samples an ongoingstream of frames captured by the mobile device's image sensor. Ideally,the sample rate would match the capture rate of the image sensor, butsatisfactory results can be achieved at a much lower sample ratefrequency. Initial analysis by the software is seeking to identify thedesignated region of interest “ROI”, described above and indicated inFIG. 3. The software does this by filtering for certain defining visualcharacteristics of marks 22, 42 detected within the ROI, such as hue,shape, size, and relative spacing. To increase the likelihood that thesoftware accurately identifies the desired “ROI”, the relative size ofthe “ROI” in relation to the frame size can be bound to a percentagerange that will reduce the likelihood of false positives, but also allowthe gauge 10 to be read at a reasonable distance from the imagingsensor.

Once the “ROI” of the gauge 10 has been located, it can be isolated fromthe rest of the captured image by cropping. The remaining image area isthen enlarged to fit the device frame size through use of a “nearestneighbor” zoom algorithm. By using colored marks 22, 42 withwell-defined rectangular borders, the zoom algorithm can more accuratelyenlarge the “ROI”. This enlarged image can now be analyzed. Two filterpasses are made in order to detect the two visually distinct marks 22,42 located on the first and second measurement scales 21, 31 of thegauge 10. These marks 22, 42 are differentiated by at least onecharacteristic, in this case hue. Hue, as part of the HSV (Hue,Saturation, Value) color model designates the degree to which a stimuluscan be described as similar to or different from stimuli that aredescribed as red, green, blue, and yellow. This attribute is generallyless reliant on lighting conditions. Pairs of contrasting hues (e.g.,red and yellow) are established to ensure that the marks 22, 42 locatedon measurement scales 21, 31 of the fixed stock panel 15 and slide panel25 can be reliably distinguished by computer vision analysis. The firstpass detects the hue of exposed marks 42 located on the movable slidepanel 25, and the second pass detects the hue of the exposed marks 22located on the fixed stock panel 15. The combined total number ofexposed marks 22, 42 detected in both of these groups is thencalculated. This total is then compared to the calibration value (C)discussed above—or, 34 in the present example. If the total exposedmarks 22, 42 detected equals C, then the tread depth reported to theoperator is equal to the number of exposed marks 22 detected on thefixed stock panel 15. This number divided by 32 will indicate themeasured tread depth in inches. The total number of exposed marks 22, 42will equal C when the tread depth measured falls exactly on the alignedborder between two marks.

If the total number of exposed marks 22, 42 detected is greater than C+1or less than C, then the reading is determined to be invalid and nodepth value is reported to the operator. The only case where thiscondition should occur is if the marks 22, 42 are obstructed from theimage sensor of the mobile device “M”, and an accurate reading cannot begiven in this circumstance.

If the total number of exposed marks 22, 42 detected equals C+1, adetermination must be made about the area/size of the two partiallyexposed marks. Each of the two partially exposed marks is necessarilysmaller than the fully exposed marks. Therefore, the marks are sorted bysize/area and the smallest mark is further analyzed. The determinationof the smaller mark's category allows a rounding decision to be made. Ifthe partially exposed mark is a stock panel mark, then the depth isrounded down by reporting to the operator a depth value of C minus thenumber of slide panel marks detected. This number is divided by 32 toindicate the measured tread depth in inches. If a slide panel mark 42 isdetermined to be the smallest, then the tread depth is rounded up byreporting to the operator a depth value equal to the number of stockpanel marks 22 detected. This number is then divided by 32 to indicatethe measured tread depth in inches.

There are several methods that could be employed to address the casewhere marks 22, 42 are only partially exposed. A mechanical solutionwould be to add gradient friction detents in the measurement probe 50 ofthe gauge 10, such that the probe 50 extends into the tread groove in apredetermined step-wise fashion corresponding to the unit scale definedby the spaced marks. Another exemplary solution may be to increase the“resolution” of the gauge 10 by increasing the calibration value from 34to 68, using more closely spaced marks 22, 42 on the measurement scales21, 31 of both the slide and stock panels 15, 25. Alternatively, thesoftware could analyze the partially exposed mark within region ofinterest “ROI” and determine if the mark is greater than or less than50% exposed. In calculating tread depth, marks which are greater than50% exposed are counted while marks which are less than 50% exposed arenot.

Tread Depth Inspection—Process

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, in one exemplary implementation a tread depthinspection may proceed as described below. An operator (or “inspector”)outfitted with a mobile device “M” and the present handheld gauge 10opens a software app on his mobile device to begin the inspection. Usingthe mobile device “M”, the inspector first identifies himself byscanning a machine-readable code, such as QR code printed on aninspector identification badge, or by reading an NFC tag embedded in oneof the vehicle tires. Alternatively, identity of the inspector could beentered and confirmed through a traditional login screen on the softwareapp, or using the mobile device ID, or using data obtained by readingthe QR code applied to the inspector's gauge 10. Next, the vehicle to beinspected may be identified by scanning a machine-readable ID label(e.g., QR code) affixed to the vehicle or vehicle tire, or by readingand receiving an ID code contained in the NFC tag embedded in one of thetires. Additionally, the vehicle ID label and/or NFC tag may storeinformation about the configuration of the vehicle (e.g., number ofaxles, wheel positions, etc.) to dictate the format the inspectionreport. Alternatively, the vehicle ID could be manually entered intodesignated fields of the mobile app. Using appropriate communicationshardware and software, the vehicle ID may be transmitted wirelessly(Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) from the vehicle databus, electronic loggingdevice (ELD), or other vehicle computer directly to the mobile device“M”. Once the vehicle ID is input, the tire inspection has begun, andinformation such as inspection start time/date and GPS location can becaptured from the mobile device “M” and stored with the report. Themileage from the vehicle odometer may be manually input, or usingappropriate communications hardware and software, may be transmittedwirelessly (Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) from the vehicle databus, electroniclogging device (ELD), or other vehicle computer directly to the mobiledevice “M”. There are several different mileage calculations that can bepulled from the vehicle databus, such as Engine Control Module (ECM)Distance, Engine Distance, and Cab Computer Distance; the appropriatemetric is chosen and recorded. One such device that could carry out thedata transfer connects to the vehicle diagnostic port and uses aBluetooth transceiver to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device.Once this information is gathered, the software app will advance to tireinspection mode. A viewfinder overlaid on the device's camera feed willappear on touchscreen ready to collect tire ID and tread depth readings.Individual tire information can now be gathered.

Starting with the tires of the drive axle on the driver-side, theinspector scans the printed QR code or embedded NFC tag of the ID labelon that tire. Next, three tread depth measurements are carried out onthe tire tread “T” using the handheld gauge 10 and mobile device “M”, asdescribed above. The first measurement should be carried out on theouter edge of the tread pattern, the second measurement at the center ofthe tread pattern, and the third at the inner edge of the tread pattern.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, a tread depth measurement isperformed by placing the handheld gauge 10 down upon the peak of thetire tread, as indicated by arrow 70 in FIG. 6, with the measurementprobe 50 in a fully retracted condition. The slight protrusion of theprobe 50 from the bottom end of gauge housing 11 serves to properlylocate the gauge 10, as indicated by arrow 71 of FIG. 6, relative to thegroove “G” of the tread region being inspected. Once properly located,as shown in FIG. 7, the thumb slide 34 of the gauge 10 is manuallyshifted downward, as indicated by arrow 72, to extend the probe 50 intothe tread groove “G”. Holding the gauge 10 in an upright and squaredposition with one hand, the other hand is used to aim the camera “C” ofthe mobile device “M” at the gauge 10, as shown in FIG. 8, taking carenot to obstruct the targeted region of interest “ROI.” Alternatively,the handheld gauge 10 can be read when removed from the tire tread “T”by enabling a temporary locking mechanism (or a simple “friction lock”)applicable for holding the extended probe 50 in position after insertinginto the tire groove “G”. The inspector can then properly orient thecamera “C” of the mobile device “M” relative to the gauge 10 beforetaking the photograph and capturing the ROI.

Upon successfully capturing a reading from the gauge 10, the mobiledevice “M” may alert the inspector by providing haptic feedback througha vibration motor, visual feedback on the display, and/or audio feedbackthrough the device speakers. This data is then stored in flash or othermemory of the mobile device “M”, and can be immediately displayed to theinspector on the device's touchscreen. This procedure is repeated untilall tires of the vehicle have been inspected. An electronic inspectionreport is then automatically populated and wirelessly transmitted to acloud server or other remote terminal, or sent via email, MMS, or othermessaging service to devices of other individuals. The inspector'smobile device “M” may also wirelessly connect to the vehicle electroniclogging device (ELD) and other sensors in and around the vehicle toautomatically populate the tire inspection report with additional usefulinformation, such as vehicle fault codes, tire pressure, mileage,vehicle weight, and vehicle driver information (such as that required bylaw to be maintained by the vehicle ELD). Tire pressure/temperaturecould be obtained from a wirelessly connected tire inspection tool. Arecord of a tire's pressure readings could be related to tread depthover time to perform maintenance analysis and determine the financialreturn for varying maintenance practices.

Camera and Lighting

Unlike conventional cameras, mobile device cameras “C” generally do nothave a short minimum focal length, as they are made primarily forcapturing photos some distance away from the camera. As such, in orderfor the handheld gauge 10 to be in focus, it should be between 7 to 9inches from the camera “C”. At this distance, the gauge 10 appears quitesmall to the inspector, and to a lesser degree, the computer visionanalysis program. For this reason, an automatic zoom feature may beincorporated to digitally enlarge the gauge 10, thereby facilitatingfaster and more accurate readings of the ROI. During initialinstallation and setup process, the present software app may determinethe make and model information of the particular mobile device 10. Ifthe device type is recognized, application parameters can be adjusted tomatch the previously determined settings best for that device's camera“C”. A query can also be sent to the device system in order to adjustsensor settings, such as shutter speed, aperture opening, and colorcorrection to optimize for proper gauge readings.

Additionally, the present mobile device “M” may be equipped with one ormore LEDs that provide a flash function for camera sensors. This sameLED lighting can serve as a flashlight to clearly display the handheldgauge 10 when ambient lighting conditions are otherwise inadequate.Similarly, the exemplary mobile device “M” may incorporate photometerswhich detect ambient lighting conditions, and provide output used toinitiate the camera flash when needed. The computer vision algorithms ofthe present software are tuned such that the filter parameters adapt tocurrent lighting conditions and LED activity. Light level data from thedevice's photo sensors can also be used to determine the proper colorfilter parameters to use in identifying color of the scale marks.

Alternative Exemplary Embodiments

In alternative embodiments, the handheld gauge may be marked with acalibration pattern for comparison and with a measurement pattern thatis variably exposed based upon tread depth. By measuring the number ofpixels in the height of the calibration pattern (Pc) and comparing it tothe known height of the calibration pattern (C), a relationship betweenpixels and height [the pixel height ratio (R)] can be established. Thenumber of pixels composing the measurement pattern in the image variesbased upon the camera's distance from the gauge.

R=Callibration Pattern Height(C)/Total Vertical Callibration Pixels(Pc)

Once (R) for the image is found, the number of vertical pixels in themeasurement pattern (Pm) can be determined. This value can then bemultiplied by R to find the tread depth.

Tread Depth=R×Vertical Measurement Pixels(Pm)

In other exemplary embodiments, the tread depth may be determined usingOptical Character Recognition (OCR) of a readable gauge display. Thepresent disclosure may also employ color recognition/comparison toidentify a region of exposed measurement pattern in a measurement probe,and how far the probe is extended into the tread. This same principalcan be used to take measurements on many other elements of the vehicle,as well as for purposes beyond the automotive field. Utilizing conceptsof the present disclosure, fluid levels in battery, coolant and othersystems could be measured. The severity of damage such as dents,scratches, and cracked glass could be evaluated. Material thicknesscould be assessed across many different dimensioning use cases. Manyother types of measurement equipment can also be incorporated into thisdata collection system by displaying weight, pressure, distance, andother measurements in a format to be read optically by the mobiledevice.

Additional applications for this technology include the reading ofspecially adapted instruments such as brake calipers, spark plug gapgauges, wheel alignment measurement devices, calipers for generalmeasurement, slack adjuster/brake stroke measurement tools, and angularmeasurement devices. In further exemplary applications, the presenttechnology can be used to read the tire tread depth measurements andstore them when using depth micrometers, micrometers, and verniercalipers. The present technology can be utilized in small places, and iscapable of measuring distances as small as 0.0001. The measurements canbe stored quickly, and will not be subject to operator “feel” andeye-to-brain readings.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it isnoted that the use of relative terms, such as “substantially”,“generally”, “approximately”, and the like, are utilized herein torepresent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed toany quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. Noelement, act, or instruction used in this description should beconstrued as important, necessary, critical, or essential to theinvention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few ofthe exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications arepossible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthis invention as defined in the appended claims.

In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus,although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that anail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together,whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment offastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.Unless the exact language “means for” (performing a particular functionor step) is recited in the claims, a construction under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) [or 6th paragraph/pre-AIA] is not intended. Additionally, it isnot intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the presentinvention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found hereinthat does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

What is claimed:
 1. A handheld mechanical gauge for measuring treaddepth of a vehicle tire, said mechanical gauge comprising: a housingdefining a display window; a fixed stock panel attached to said housingand comprising a first measurement scale located within said window, andsaid first measurement scale comprising a first series of marks spacedapart at regular intervals within a region of interest defined by saiddisplay window, and wherein the total number of marks in said firstmeasurement scale comprises a calibration value; a slide panel movablyarranged relative to said stock panel, and comprising a secondmeasurement scale adapted to selectively overlie the first measurementscale within the window of said housing, and said second measurementscale comprising a second series of marks spaced apart at regularintervals corresponding to the first series of marks of said firstmeasurement scale, such that at any overlying position of said secondmeasurement scale relative to said first measurement scale within saidregion of interest, the combined number of exposed marks displayedthrough said window equals said calibration value; and an elongatedmeasurement probe affixed to said slide, and adapted for selectivelyextending and retracting relative to said housing, whereby thread depthof the vehicle tire is measured by extending said probe into a grooveformed in the tire tread and then recording a measurement value usingdata displayed through said window.
 2. The handheld mechanical gaugeaccording to claim 1, wherein said first measurement scale comprisesfirst and second adjacent columns of spaced marks.
 3. The handheldmechanical gauge according to claim 2, wherein in said first measurementscale, the marks in said second column are staggered relative to themarks of said first column.
 4. The handheld mechanical gauge accordingto claim 3, wherein said second measurement scale comprises first andsecond adjacent columns of spaced marks.
 5. The handheld mechanicalgauge according to claim 4, wherein in said second measurement scale,the marks in said second column are staggered relative to the marks ofsaid first column.
 6. The handheld mechanical gauge according to claim5, wherein said first and second columns of marks in said first andsecond measurement scales are aligned in substantial registration. 7.The handheld mechanical gauge according to claim 1, and comprising amanual thumb slide adapted for moving said slide panel to extend andretract said measurement probe.
 8. The handheld mechanical gaugeaccording to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises cooperating frontand back sections.
 9. The handheld mechanical gauge according to claim1, and comprising a magnet located inside said housing for releasablymounting said gauge to a metal surface.
 10. The handheld mechanicalgauge according to claim 1, and comprising a machine-readable codeapplied to said housing.
 11. The handheld mechanical gauge according toclaim 1, and comprising a product serial number applied to said housing.12. The handheld mechanical gauge according to claim 1, and comprisingmeasurement indicia applied to said housing along at least one side ofsaid display window.
 13. The handheld mechanical gauge according toclaim 1, and comprising measurement indicia applied to said housingalong both sides of said display window.
 14. The handheld mechanicalgauge according to claim 13, wherein said measurement indicia isprovided in standard units along one side of said display window and incorresponding metric units along the other side of said display window.15. A handheld mechanical gauge for measuring tread depth of a vehicletire, said mechanical gauge comprising: a stock panel comprising a firstmeasurement scale, said first measurement scale comprising a firstseries of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within a region ofinterest, and wherein the total number of marks within said region ofinterest comprises a calibration value; and a slide movably arrangedrelative to said stock panel, and comprising a second measurement scaleadapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within saidregion of interest, and said second measurement scale comprising asecond series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals correspondingto the first series of marks of said first measurement scale, such thatat any overlying position of said second measurement scale relative tosaid first measurement scale within said region of interest, thecombined number of exposed marks within said region of interest equalssaid calibration value; and an elongated measurement probe affixed tosaid slide and adapted for selectively extending into a groove formed inthe tread of the vehicle tire, whereby a measured value of tread depthis obtained using data displayed within said region of interest.
 16. Amethod for measuring tread depth of a vehicle tire, comprising: locatinga handheld mechanical gauge adjacent the tread of the vehicle tire, themechanical gauge comprising: (i) a first measurement scale comprising afirst series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within apredetermined region of interest; (ii) a slidable second measurementscale adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale withinthe region of interest, and the second measurement scale comprising asecond series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals correspondingto the first series of marks of the first measurement scale; and (iii)an elongated measurement probe movable in unison with the slidablesecond measurement scale; determining a calibration value comprising atotal number of exposed marks within the region of interest of themechanical gauge; inserting and extending the elongated measurementprobe of the mechanical gauge into a groove formed in the tread of thevehicle tire; with the probe extended, photographing the region ofinterest of the mechanical gauge using a digital camera of a mobilecomputing device; determining the number of exposed marks of the firstmeasurement scale which are located within the region of interest;determining the number of exposed marks of the second measurement scalewhich are located within the region of interest; confirming that the sumtotal of exposed marks of the first and second measurement scales equalsthe calibration value; and calculating tread depth using a ratio ofexposed marks of the first and second measurement scales within theregion of interest.
 17. The method according to claim 16, whereindetermining the calibration value comprises photographing the mechanicalgauge at the region of interest using the digital camera of the mobilecomputing device, and then calculating the total number of marksappearing within the captured image.
 18. The method according to claim17, and comprising electronically reading a machine-readable codeapplied to the mechanical gauge.
 19. The method according to claim 17,and comprising activating an alert on the mobile computing device toindicate a successfully captured image of the region of interest. 20.The method according to claim 17, and comprising electronically sensingenvironmental lighting conditions surrounding the vehicle tire, andautomatically activating a flash function of the digital camera based onsaid conditions prior to photographing the mechanical gauge.